Andhra Pradesh Government continues combing operations against Naxals

Khammam, Mar 19 : The Andhra Pradesh Government has decided to continue with its anti-Naxal combing operation along the state's border with Chhattisgarh.

A joint exercise called "Operation Area Demolition" by Chhattisgarh, Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra Police has been launched along the contiguous borders of the three states.

Several districts, including those in North Andhra Pradesh and in Chhattisgarh have been placed on red alert to counter possible retaliation by the Naxals.

Police stations in several districts have been put on a state of high alert and politicians and bureaucrats have been asked to move to safer places.

D.S.Chauhan, Superintendent of Police of Khammam District, is monitoring the situation. He has set up camp at Cherla, 30 kms from the inter-state border.

Andhra Pradesh Police suspects that top naxal leader and North Telangana Special Zonal Committee (NTSZC) member Gajerla Ravi, alias Ganesh, along with five other 'dalam' commanders were among those killed in the encounter near a hillock in Darelli forest of Pamedu Police Station on Tuesday.